Choctails & Choc-Tales:
What to Drink this Easter

The glorious chocolate-filled, four-day-long celebration where we all work less, and eat and drink a whole lot more.

For the less religious and non-Christians, this means a weekend of indulgence; the last fling before “project summer body”, the ideal time to get a little playful with a drink or two.

And perhaps a little chocolatey over indulgence, to replicate that Easter egg-citement from our youth. Because chocolate + booze = real grown-up fun.

THURSDAY

It’s that school's-out feeling. When the clock hits 5pm and everyone heads to the nearest bar/pub, where more innovative establishments are serving up the likes of 1000 calorie Crème Egg Mojitos and Drinkable Easter Eggs (with popcorn rum).

But what do we really want to kick-start the weekend?
A cold beer, or crisp glass of wine. This is the start of spring after all.

CHOC OPTION:
With a gentle softness and enticing aroma – Wild Card Brewery's Ace of Spades is great for opening the palate with a subtle nod to the chocolate tradition. Enjoy flavours of rich chocolate, smooth caramel, roasted coffee and plum. Full-bodied and deliciously dark.

FRIDAY

Cocktails are calling… With a full day off work, and therefore a little more time to mix something up, Good Friday is a great day for adventurous endeavours.

Our current favourite is the French 75 which, out of all the many Champagne-and-liquor combinations known to contemporary mixology, this one has the most panache. Combines 40ml London Dry Gin, a teaspoon of fine sugar and 10ml lemon juice and then top up with Champagne.

CHOC OPTION:
If you can’t indulge with the award-winning Rubis chocolate wine at Easter, then when can you? A rich fruity wine with a velvety chocolate finish, go all out with gooey chocolate pud to partner it with.

SUNDAY

An Easter Sunday lunch of lamb demands a complementary red wine. The 2014 Amancaya Malbec includes ripe, cassis laden Cabernet, resulting in a deeply fruity wine that is full of spice and an excellent accompaniment to meat. For Côtes du Rhône fans, the 2014 Parcelles 38 is an excellent alternative to pricey Châteauneuf du Pape with a seductive palate of fruity aromas.

CHOC OPTION:Chocolate Box's Dark Chocolate Shiraz infuses blackberry flavours and chocolate (obvs) in this big juicy wine - great with steak. Alternatively, Chocolate Box's Cherry Chocolate wine has aromas of the obvious, along with stewed rhubarb, vanilla and cinnamon. It has a little tang and spiciness that stops it being a complete fruit bomb and goes perfectly with grilled meats, especially lamb chops.

MONDAY

A nice cup of tea. Large glass of iced water. And relax. You're not at work 'til the morning...